Frequently Asked Questions

1. Adopting from SCARS

2. What do you charge for your animals?

   Dogs: $250.00

   Cats: $150.00

3. Why do you charge for your animals?

   The nominal adoption fee charged is put towards the animals medical expenses and food while it is in our care. Our largest expense are medical bills, which include emergency procedures, medications and spay and neuter procedures. The adoption fee rarely covers the animal's expenses while in our care.

4. What is included in the cost of adoption?

   Included in the price of adoption:

   • vet visit/health check
   • first vaccinations (rabies and bordetella not included)
   • microchip
   • spay/neuter
   • any veterinary care the animal received while in our care

5. Where is your adoption facility?

   SCARS has no central facility but instead uses private foster homes to temporarily care for its animals until they are adopted. We have foster homes from the Edmonton, Westlock, Stony Plain and the Athabasca areas.

6. How can I meet the animals?

   Please click on the link that says "Interested in Adopting -----? Click here to have someone contact you!" on the animal page and fill out the form. You can also reach us thru our contact page. We will then make arrangements for you to meet the animal. Please understand that SCARS animals are cared for in private foster homes and meeting times are dependant on the availability of the foster home and potential adoptee.

7. How is the choice made who gets the animal?

   Our volunteers try to match the animal to a family that most suits the needs of that animal. Many animals generate a number of inquiries and a home is chosen based on what we believe to be best for that particular animal.

   If you are denied, this is not to imply that you would not provide a proper home; we always place the animal in the home that we deem to be most appropriate for the needs of that animal.

   SCARS reserves the right to refuse any adoption request for reasons to be kept private and confidential within the administration of the organization.

8. Do I have to spay or neuter? Can I breed the dog/cat?

   Included in the adoption contract is a clause requiring that the new owners spay or neuter their animal before a specified date. We will follow-up to ensure that this procedure has been completed by this date.

9. Donations

10. Are you a registered charity?

    Yes. SCARS is a registered charitable organization through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) since May 2003. If you require our charitable number, you can find it on the Canadian Registered Charities - Detail Page on the Canada Revenue Agency website.

11. How can I donate?

    If you would like to donate you can do so by mailing to Box 3045, Athabasca, AB T9S 2B9 or by using our PayPal online option.

12. Will I get a tax receipt?

    Yes. SCARS always sends out official tax receipts for donations $20.00 or more, unless otherwise stated by the donor.

13. What does my donated money go towards?

    100% of all money donated goes to SCARS operations, including veterinary costs and equipment. You can be assured that every dollar donated goes directly to helping feed, house or medically aid animals in need.

14. Are your foster homes or board members paid employees?

    No. SCARS is a non-profit, volunteer run charitable organization. We do not receive any regular funding and therefore rely solely on memberships, donations, sponsorships and fundraising.

15. Other

16. How can I become a SCARS volunteer?

    We are always in need of volunteers and volunteer foster families. For more information please visit our Volunteer page.

17. I have a pet that I can no longer keep. Can I bring it to SCARS?

    No. SCARS does not accept owner-surrendered animals. SCARS has many homeless animals waiting for a spot to become available and their life depends on it, therefore we give priority to homeless and abandoned animals. Many of SCARS animals come from Northern communities that have no pound and or a small pound that have time restrictions on them.